I have been pregnant twice in my life. The first time, I had a small belly, tons of energy, and I was comfortable – all the way up until I gave birth to my daughter at the 42-week mark. I tossed and turned at night, but didn't think much of it. The second time, I had an enormous belly, zero energy (thanks to a toddler at home), and I felt pain and intense discomfort until giving birth at 42 weeks and one day. Sleeping? Forget it. I'm sharing this because with the first pregnancy, I didn't use a pregnancy pillow. I should have. With the second, I couldn't get one fast enough, and it made all the difference at night. My belly was so large that sleeping was next to impossible without a pillow. You see, pregnancy pillows help to align and support your entire body while you rest. If your legs aren't level, your hips are pulled, which can lead to lower back issues. Your entire body is connected, of course, so with something as intense as pregnancy, it's especially important to do what you can to help it stay in proper alignment. There are multiple options for pregnancy pillows, so finding one that works for you shouldn't be hard. Here are a few that we're loving today. PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow, U-Shape Soft Cover, Amazing SupportThe U-shape of this pregnancy pillow offers exceptional support during a time your body needs it the most. Best OverallFind on Amazon Hugging both your belly and your back, this maternity pillow offers exceptional support for the pregnant body. Working to support your entire body, the design of this U-shaped pregnancy pillow allows for your belly to rest while perfectly aligning your hips. And unlike one long, straight body pillow, this one curves perfectly under and around your shoulders to properly support your head and neck, too. With a super soft jersey knit cotton shell, you’ll be cozy, too. Don’t have much bed space? You can detach the extension to create a simpler form for more room. Pros: At 53″ x 31″ x 7″, this is the ideal length, width, and height for a super supportive maternity pillow. Can be used post-pregnancy for nursing, sleep support, or for pain management. Fully removable and machine-washable cover. Cons: The pillow seems to flatten easily after a few nights. Regular fluffing helps. PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow, C-Shape C What We Mean?For comfort and support everywhere you go, this C-shaped pillow is easy to arrange in exactly the way you need.Best C-ShapedFind on Amazon Similar to the U-shape pillow reviewed above, this PharMeDoc is virtually the same except that it’s a permanent C-shape. This means there are no detachable pieces. While that might seem like maybe a con, hear us out: there is no floppy part where the attachment goes. This means full support throughout the entire length of the pillow. Featuring the same soft jersey, this one also comes with a travel bag that makes storing and travel nice and easy. Pros: Can be used in multiple ways, like putting your knees up, restful sitting, or for sleeping. This one pillow does the work of up to 5 in terms of comfort and support. Machine-washable rover. Cons: We’d love it if this pillow had a bit more stuffing. Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow, U-Shape Optimal Comfort and BreathabilityThe bamboo used in this multi-layered pregnancy pillow allows for optimal breathability throughout your pregnancy. Best Bamboo CoverFind on Amazon Did you know that bamboo is not only a more sustainable option, but that it’s also hypoallergenic, super soft, and cozy? All points are true when it comes to this amazing maternity pillow. Another pro? The fact that there’s an included anti-slip belt that makes the pillow stay exactly as you need it to no matter how many times you switch from side to side. The design of this U-shape keeps the health of both you and your growing baby in mind. The intention behind the design is to keep your blood circulation flowing, which means your baby is likely getting the proper blood flow, too. Pros: Cover is 100% bamboo for optimal breathability, sustainability, and comfort. The cover can be removed easily for machine washing. Can be used for comfort on the couch, floor, or bed…basically, wherever you need it. Multiple layers for multiple purposes. Wrinkle-free layer for durability; sweat-absorbtion layer for improved circulation; and finally, the bamboo layer for comfort. Cons: This pillow is pretty huge. While that’s awesome for a preggo, it’s not so awesome for a sleeping partner. Insen Pregnancy Pillow Soft and Cozy The plush velvet cover and cotton stuffing of this pillow means comfort for those with sensitive, easily irritated skin. Best for Sensitive SkinFind on Amazon Pregnancy can bring about all sorts of weird bodily issues and functions. Related to hormones, it can seriously turn your entire body into something you don’t even recognize. While it’s an incredible, beautiful, amazing undertaking, it can also be exhausting, painful, and just plain strange. One of the strangest changes that happened for me? Skin issues. From itching to rashes to pigmentation changes, pregnancy wreaked havoc on my otherwise clear skin. Super sensitive to anything other than incredibly soft or organic materials, I had to change everything that came in contact with my skin. That’s why this ultra-soft, plush velvet cover is an absolute dream. With a high-density cotton stuffing, you likely won’t get any reactions there, either. Pros: C-shape stays put as you move about in your sleep. Outer and lining both have independent zippers. This allows for easy removal for washing or managing the stuffing. The long silk cotton stuffing that’s used means exceptional support throughout the entire pillow. Cons: The pillows arrive in a vacuum seal. You’ll need to allow for it to properly expand before use. As Awesling Full Body Pillow The Pillow that Does it AllGreat for early pregnancy all the way through breast-feeding, this pillow is a must-have.Most VersatileFind on Amazon Although a pregnancy pillow was a definite must-have during my pregnancy, as far as postpartum goes? Not so much. I guess I should have gone for this pillow. As a breastfeeding mama, it can be hard to find the optimal position for comfort and proper alignment. This pillow continues the support all the way through those early postpartum days when all you’re doing is resting and snuggling your tiny new one. What’s more, you can easily add or remove stuffing as you see fit. The soft fabric, ergonomic design, and bonus pillow round out the package on this one. If there’s a next time, I might have to opt for this pillow. Pros: There’s an ergonomic maternity care pillow that’s set at an angle of 45 degrees. This is ideal for lessening any strain during sleeping. Machine-washable cover. Accessible zippers allow for adding or removing of stuffing. Cons: The material can get a bit hot if you’re prone to night sweating. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using a maternity pillow? It can be hard to get comfortable during pregnancy. Even though sleeping is all you want to do when you’re pregnant, it can be difficult to find the proper position for optimal comfort. Have pain? Forget it. That’s why a maternity pillow is such an amazing invention. Specifically designed to elevate your hips, knees, and ankles, you’ll get to support your belly while lessening any strain on your back. While this helps to make sleeping much easier, it also makes your daytimes much more enjoyable. With proper sleep and pain management, you’ll likely have more energy. When should you start using a maternity pillow? As soon as you want. No, really. Even without an enormous belly, my body was aching and stretching right from the start of my second pregnancy. When I started sleeping with a pregnancy pillow, I started feeling better. As my pregnancy progressed, I could adjust the stuffing to suit my constantly evolving needs. If you’re on the fence about the need for one, don’t be. It was seriously a night and day difference between sleeping with one or without one. Unsure of which type of maternity pillow to go for? Any one will be a definite and immediate benefit. You really can’t go wrong with a maternity pillow. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The Best Couch Covers Read more The Best Dog Mom Sweatshirts Read more The Best Dog Foods For Pregnant Dogs Read more